Gaoua: The organizing committee of the Southwest Arts Festival (FASO) announced Tuesday that the 7th edition of the festival will be held from October 29 to November 2, 2025, in Gaoua. This year’s theme, “Cultural integration in the service of peace, social cohesion and socio-economic development in Burkina Faso: the role of clothing art,” aims to highlight the significance of clothing art in fostering unity and progress.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the details were shared by the organizing committee during a press conference held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Poda Romuald, known by his stage name Petit J©sus, is the promoter of this edition. Issa Traor©, a member of the organizing committee, emphasized the importance of promoting the Southwest’s style of dress to inspire younger generations and support the region’s cultural and moral growth.
The festival will feature various activities to promote clothing culture, including weaving, sewing, and research workshops, as well as an exhibition and sale of clothing products showcasing the region’s rich and diverse clothing heritage. Additional planned activities include a public speaking competition in local languages, a traditional dance and archery competition, a gala dinner titled “Let’s consume local,” concerts by AES artists and one in honor of the FDS, guided tourist tours, and free medical consultations.
Since its inception in 2017, FASO has become a key event in Burkina Faso’s cultural scene, attracting thousands of participants and gaining national and international acclaim. It serves as a platform to celebrate culture, enhance social cohesion, and boost the regional economy.